Library

Plastic is one of the most used materials for consumer goods, packaging and as building material. The use of plastics in the building sector is greatly influenced by current megatrends: climate change, pollution, demography and urbanisation, need for resilience, health, as well as affordable housing and shelter with its regional implications.

Updated list of restricted substances that building materials and products can be checked against.

Product screening tool to proactively identify potential issues and find safer alternatives. Requires a paid licence.

Ecolabel for sustainable products with criteria set for some construction chemicals.

Resource listing products that use PFAS-free, alternative substances, including carpet, sealers, and furniture.

This case study aims to increase the awareness of environmental and health impacts and potential policy interventions to lead to sustainable plastic products from a chemicals perspective using flooring as an example. 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are useful in many building materials and consumer products but have a large potential for harm.   The goal of this report is to inform and inspire building owners, architects, designers, building product manufacturers, and government decision makers to eliminate unnecessary uses of PFAS and to promote the design and use of safer non-PFAS alternatives.

The presence of hazardous chemicals in products makes the transformation to circularity more challenging. This report describes UNDP's interventions on Chemicals and Waste Management which aim to achieve circularity across different industries, inluding construction.